Dark Lane, Broseley, Shropshire, UK

This site was developed by entrepreneurial mining concerns in the late 16th century as the East Shropshire Coalfield was developed in the wake of the dissolution of the monasteries. A Chancery case of 1605 mentioned an early railway which enabled the coal mined here to be transported to the Rover Severn for export. On behalf of Bloor Homes, Nexus Heritage have undertaken a series of archaeological investigations – including historical desk-based assessment, measured earthwork survey and trial trenching evaluation. We have discovered that an extensive mining landscape of the 17th and 18th centuries underlies later mining and landscaping activities. Features include buildings, mineshafts and associated trackways – as well as a quantity of

domestic waste dating to the 17th century. This Nexus Heritage project has enabled the client to more clearly understand the sub-surface formations, inputting into the design and planning process at an early stage; we have also provided a public heritage interface as part of the client’s public relations strategy.

Type of Analytical Earthwork Survey:

Three levels of recording have been identified by English Heritage for Analytical Earthwork Survey depending on the size, complexity and purpose of a site and project. These are summarised below:

Level 1: A rapid field investigation consisting of the archaeological site’s location, possible date, type and condition. The aim is to provide a basic map/plan depiction and brief annotation of the core information of a monument or landscape.

Level 2:  A basic descriptive and interpretive record of an archaeological monument or landscape, consisting of the core information, an analysis of its development and use and the conclusions reached. However, it does not include in detail the evidence on which this is based. A non-map based metrically accurate survey and ground photography is also included.

Level 3: A comprehensive and multi-disciplinary record of an archaeological field monument or landscape; incorporating the fullest combination of archaeological and cartographic source material, surveys, interpretations and contextual analyses. An accurate measured survey (sometimes map-based) is included at an appropriate scale (at 1:1 250 or larger), designed to represent the form and complexity of the monument in addition to concise description of the site (plan, form, dimensions and area, function, age, developmental sequence and past land use) and full analysis and interpretation.

Nexus Heritage offers all three levels of survey and can be consulted on which level is most suitable to a particular site. The hachured plan is the most effective means of depicting earthworks but it is often necessary to develop analysis more readily through interpretation plans.

John Martin Dam and Reservoir, Bent County, Colorado

In the autumn of 2009, Kate Page-Smith teamed up with Nexus’ sister company SRI in Colorado to conduct an archaeological survey and fieldwalking exercise for the John Martin Reservoir and State Park.  The aim of the project was to assist the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in fulfilling Federal responsibilities regarding cultural resources and archaeological management.  Our Objectives were to conduct locate and record any new and previously recorded archaeological sites or historic properties, create an archaeological inventory and prepare GIS data for the area. Six crew members conducted the systematic survey over a six week period with the aid of hand-held GPS systems and Junos.  A large number of sites were identified, both prehistoric and historic and following instruction by the client, every artefact was recorded. The report is still in preparation by SRI. 

Stilwell Shipbuilding Sites, Bermuda

As part of a joint project between Ironbridge Archaeology and the Bermuda National Trust, Kate Page-Smith (then a supervisor for Ironbridge) undertook a survey of the shipbuilding sites located on the island’s north shoreline. A number of sites were identified and one site was chosen for a detailed survey.

This project identified aspects of Bermudian history that were previously believed to have been lost, and brought analytical field survey methodology to the island for the first time. Further investigations are due to take place to explore these elements and to enable the Bermuda National Trust to revaluate their cultural heritage. Other aspects of the project focused on evidence for 18th and 19th century slave quarters at Vermount House and excavations were also undertaken at Government House.

Iron Age/Romano-British Settlement, Yorkshire Dales: Archaeological Survey and Investigation

An archaeological investigation of an Iron Age or Romano-British settlement, with remains of a small post-medieval lead mine, was implemented to address conservation and management issues surrounding the site and for training purposes. The survey was carried out at Level 3 standard (as defined in RCHME 1999, 3-4) and produced a plan at 1:1 000 scale; although selected individual structures were singled out for recording at a larger scale. Specialist reports on the post-medieval mining activity and on the lichens were also commissioned.

The survey revealed that although the preservation of the site had been exaggerated by 20th century excavations, the settlement remains were of national importance and required further protection.

Archaeological Survey and Investigation of an alum house

Due to the imminent threat of coastal erosion, an archaeological survey and investigation was undertaken of an alum house in Yorkshire. The site, which was part of a larger concentration of alum complexes located in the area, was at its peak in the 18th and early 19th centuries, but abruptly declined in approximately 1818 century due to new technical advancements. After the site was abandoned it was utilized as pastoral land.

In order to highlight the damage inflicted upon the site and to preserve it by record, a level 3 standard survey (as defined in RCHME 1999, 3-4) was conducted. This revealed the remains of boiling, settling, and cooling houses, furnaces, ancillary buildings, reservoirs and a possible liquor cistern.

Bronze-Age Enclosure, Devon: Archaeological Survey and Investigation

A survey was undertaken of the largest and arguably the most important enclosure in the Avon Valley. The enclosure covers an area of 2.8 hectares and consists of two conjoined corrals, 27 hut circles and 23 adjoining yard structures. Apart from a few breaches in the wall and remnants of small scale excavations in the 20th century, the monument was in very good condition. 

An archaeological survey was implemented to record the present condition and composition of the enclosure and to further understanding of it. The survey identified that the primary structure was the southern pound, which was later conjoined to an adjacent enclosure to the north. A number of previously unknown hut circles and court yard structures were also uncovered.

Cumnor Place, Oxfordshire: Archaeological Investigation

In collaboration with Ironbridge Archaeology, a programme of intrusive and non-intrusive investigations was undertaken on an earthwork previously believed to be the remains of an Elizabethan garden. The fieldwork, which took place between April and October 2007, included a GPS and EDM earthwork survey of the monument and its surrounding landscape, and the excavation of 6 trail trenches. These investigations revealed that the substantial earthwork was the remains of an

unfinished 16th century garden, presumably associated with Cumnor Hall. In addition to this a wealth of previously unknown medieval and post-medieval earthworks were exposed, including terraces, ridge and furrow, water meadows and ponds, highlighting the evolution of this extraordinary landscape.  

Ecology and Archaeology Archaeological Day School, Bristol University

A day school was conducted at Bristol University in November 2005 for the public and undergraduates. It explored the relationship between ecology and archaeological features and discussed how their amalgamation could benefit fieldwork in both disciplines. The history and location of plants and trees were examined and as a result key archaeological indicators were identified.

Archaeological Survey and Investigation of Mining Remains in Devon

Since at least the medieval period, Dartmoor had been subjected to the continuous extraction of tin, copper, silver-lead and iron. By the 18th century this was a thriving industry,  the result of which is a landscape full of abandoned  mining complexes. Although a very similar landscape in the adjacent county of Cornwall was recently designated as a World Heritage Site, the industrial remains of Dartmoor had been largely overlooked. 

Over the course of a year, a systematic archaeological examination of surface remains, specifically focused on 18th - 20th century mines on the uplands and peripheral woodlands was undertaken on Dartmoor. The aim of the survey was to increase understanding of the industry both locally and nationally and the historical environment of the National Park. The survey focused mainly on the Ashburton and Buckfastleigh district (an area of approximately 174 km2), and uncovered 35 mining related sites. 

Comprehensive Landscape Condition Survey, Devon

A comprehensive large scale archaeological condition survey was undertaken of all the archaeological surface remains found in a total area of 13,000 hectares on Dartmoor. This was part of a 5 year project to record the historic environment of the area through a programme of reconnaissance, survey and mapping, to inform conservation and management issues.

The study area was found to contain at least 809 archaeological sites. These ranged from small

monuments such as small cairns, boundary stones and ruined buildings, to extensive landscapes consisting of prehistoric field systems, settlements and ritual monuments, medieval and post-medieval settlements and fields, and industrial features. 

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